LAND BORDER CLOSURE: Goods Worth Over #2.5b Seized in the Last 3Months

The Nigeria Customs Service says it has confiscated goods worth over two point five billion naira since the partial closure of the land borders in August this year.

The items include vehicles, over three thousand bags of rice, illicit drugs, live ammunition and more than eight thousand jerry cans containing premium motor spirit.

The Spokesperson for the Service, Mr. Joseph Atta made this known in Owerri during a sensitization held for farmers, Industrialists and officials of the National Orientation Agency in Imo State.

The partial closure of Nigeria’s land borders by the federal government in August 20, this year has continued to elicit divergent views amongst Nigerians.

While some perceive the action as a demonstration of political will needed to tackle security and economic challenges weighing the nation down, others perceive it as a harsh measure capable of throwing many out of business.

As part of efforts to disabuse the minds of Citizens especially those in the south east, a Strategic Communication Team led by the Spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Joseph Attah is interfacing with critical stakeholders in the business sector and information management.

Mr. Atta who is a Deputy Comptroller of Customs said the essence of the border closure was to check insecurity arising from illegal immigration, and stimulate the economy through promotion of locally manufactured goods.

He appealed to Nigerians to discontinue the consumption of rice and frozen foods smuggled into the country as most of them are unwholesome.

Mr. Atta regretted that neighbouring countries had continued to violate ECOWAS agreements on trade by aiding smuggling; a situation he said had discouraged locally made goods thereby making the country a dumping ground for foreign products.

Mr. Atta said there was no going back on the closure unless the neighbours demonstrate strong commitment to obeying the ECOWAS protocols.

The Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter Dr Ayo Enwerem said farmers were the greatest beneficiaries of the partial closure of the land borders and called for the sustenance of the policy.

A Deputy Director, National Orientation Agency in Imo State, Mr. Innocent Iwuchukwu said the interaction had enriched their knowledge noting that the Agency had been empowered to sensitize the people.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU